Policy reforms boosting pumped storage for RE integration

Considering the cost overruns of delayed and stalled projects, the investments required for concurred projects, and those under survey and investigation, a total investment of 1,737 billion will be required to realise the total hydropower capacity.

- Udit Garg

Pumped storage hydropower is essential for balancing renewable energy generation and ensuring grid stability. Despite its proven benefits, expansion faces hurdles due to high costs and regulatory challenges. Strategic policy changes and collaborative efforts between the government and private sectors are crucial to unlocking hydropower’s full potential in India. After the government’s announcement to bring policy for the sector, hydropower stakeholders are very optimistic, and the sector has a major boost.

Boosting hydropower growth strategies

As a vital aspect of hydropower, pumped storage offers a variety of benefits. As a best-proven and low-risk technology, it balances volatile renewable energy generation with demand. It manages grid bottlenecks while supporting stability by quickly responding to demand fluctuations. It stabilises the grid by contributing to grid inertia and providing black start capability. Added are the attributes of long life spans and demonstrated water resource management. All hydropower plants: storage, run-of-river, and pumped storage provide immense benefits, including clean energy, base and peak load supply, quick ramp-up and ramp-down rates, black start, and operating reserve capability. In addition, pumped storage plants (PSPs) provide grid stability by acting as green and rechargeable batteries to accommodate intermittent renewables such as solar and wind.